Small Business Involvement in Government Contracts Good for Both Parties

Including small businesses in competitions for government contracts has long been an important issue. The Department of Homeland Security has recently reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring adequate small business involvement in contract task orders. Furthermore, Congressman Bennie Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, recently stated, “I’d be less than Chair if I didn’t do something to benefit small businesses. I think Homeland Security can benefit from the talent I’ve seen in small and medium businesses.”

DHS seems to be backing up their words. The Transportation Security Administration plans to award the Information Technology Security Support Services (ITSSS) contract as a single award small business contract valued over $100M. The benefits of a multiple award are easy to see:

Risk Mitigation

Contract Performance

Program Efficiencies

Cost Savings

Continuity of Small Business Participation

Competition

I agree with Congressman Thompson and the direction taken by TSA. TSA can leverage the strengths, resources, and capabilities of multiple small businesses with multiple awards for the ITSSS IDIQ contract. This strategy will be good for businesses and the government.